Withdrawal of Plea, R. 3:9-3
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Salem Ahto recently rejected a former Mount Olive cop’s motion for withdrawal of plea. And he took 90 minutes to do it, too! Apparently, the judge intended the lecture as a tribute. Indeed, Judge Ahto told the officer, “I don’t want you to think I just blew through this,” per nj dot com. Additionally, he said, “I’m aware of your contributions to the community.” Now that is a fine how-do-ya-do. Then again, when is the next time the judge will address an audience of 60 supporters for a defendant in his courtroom? The officer had previously entered a guilty plea to obstructing administration of law. Therefore, under the plea agreement, the State dismissed one count of Official Misconduct, and the cop received a $625 fine, with no jail time or probation. But he had to give up his job. Keep on reading!